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Healthy Habits

The weather is starting to warm up and the walk to class is finally enjoyable. We all know what this means: The spring semester is almost over and summer is right around the corner.

We know what you’re thinking…

“How am I possibly going to finish all of my assignments, spend hours at the library studying for finals, and still have time to get in shape for the warm weather?”

Do not worry, you’re not alone. That is why we created Fitness Decisions. This online tool will help you manage your wellness and exercise and leave you time for hours at the library.

People of all types will benefit from the 350+ instructional videos that demonstrate the proper technique for each exercise. It’s like having a personal trainer by your side, explaining how to execute each movement.

In addition to the vast amount of physical fitness materials that is included in Fitness Decisions, generous information on nutrition, stress reduction, and overall health is provided and backed up through interactive activities on the web.

You can incorporate everything you learn from Fitness Decisions into all aspects of your life, from exercise routines to eating and sleep habits.

At F.A Davis, it is our goal to provide you with products that help you in the classroom AND with your personal wellness.

The beginning of the new year is always a time to reflect on the previous year and set goals for the year ahead. Some of us want something to aid in making our jobs easier, some of us want to lose weight, exercise more, and eat better. As instructors and students, these can be really challenging goals to accomplish, with lesson planning, assignment writing, studying, homework, and other daily responsibilities.

Labor day is over, and the dog days of summer are quickly coming to an end. I know this because the shadows are getting longer, the days are ending a bit earlier each week, and the whining about the end of lazy summer days has begun. And I know THIS because I am one of the loudest of those whiners… summer’s end gets me every year.

But it’s important to remember that the heat and humidity are still very much with us. Summer carries well into September, and even October can have some severe humid days. This past week alone has been some of the hottest days I’ve experienced outside. The sun is waning but it’s still very important to continue to take those sun precautions, and protect yourself internally and externally from the strong sun as we are out and about exercising and enjoying our outdoor activities.

According to a study in the Journal of American College Health, about 70% of college students experience significant weight gain between their freshman and sophomore years (Racette SB, Deusinger SS, Strube MJ, Highstein GR, Deusinger RH. Weight changes, exercise and dietary patterns during freshman and sophomore years of college. Journal of American College Health, vol. 53(6); pp. 245-251, May/June 2005). This “freshman 15″ (according to the study, the average was closer to nine pounds) is almost seen as a rite of passage in numerous circles; but, it’s a rite which has serious consequences for a student’s current and future life, as well as significant cost for the medical care needed to combat related disorders.

Research has shown that the best way to make sure that one has the benefits of an active life is to start young. Physical strength and health conditions peaks in one’s twenties, and has a deep impact on health throughout one’s lifespan (An ES, Park HJ, Yoon JH, Hong Y, Woo SK, Exercise and health life, Seoul Hyunmoonsa. 2009:257-269).

Of course, the benefits of regular exercise don’t just have long term health benefits, it also contributes to heightened focus, retention and an overall positive mood, all of which can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful college career.

There is no denying that technology is a wonderful thing. And like anywhere else in the workplace, it has become invaluable in the world of fitness. The advances in the last 20 years or so have provided greater ease and variety galore in the fitness world. Today’s cool gadgets, hot trainers, and a smorgasbord of at-home options in any specialty can provide whatever your fit little heart desires. Ask any “mature” runner about the portability nature and variety of songs on their Walkman and Discman vs. Ipod today (not to mention headphones!), or their choice of weekend races to enter 15 years ago. Oh, how the times have changed.